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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 1 to 13 of 13. This is the beginning of the thread.
Posted by sweetmarie on April 10, 2001, at 7:41:15
This isn`t strictly a medication question.
I have had a skin condition called folliculitis all my life. However, it`s always been fairly mild. Over the past months (about 8/9), the condition has flared up big-time on my arms.
I`ve done quite a lot of checking around about medication side-effects, and can`t find this condition as listed as a side-effect of any medication. Also, it did not develop as the result of any medication alteration/change.
My theory, therefore, is that it is to do with stress/anxiety/low mood in general. This is also based on a previous experience I had when I was first very ill, when I developed acne, having never had it before (or since).
Has anyone any similar skin problem experiences? I`d really like to hear them, as this is doing my head in.
Dr Bob, if you`re reading this - I hope that you don`t think this an inappropriate posting for the board.
ANY info would be good.
Anna.
Posted by chloe on August 14, 2001, at 19:42:51
In reply to Skin Conditions - medications/anxiety/stress etc., posted by sweetmarie on April 10, 2001, at 7:41:15
Anna,
I know you posted this a while ago, but it's up my alley right now. I have always had mild dry skin and eczema. But these mood stabilizers or anticonvulsants are the worst for my skin! My skin is so dry, my scalp so sore and hair so brittle and thinning...I am in despair. I need a really gentle soap and shampoo, but I can't find one gentle *enough*...Or I need to ditch the neurontin and topamax! I wish!
On to your question...I don't know what meds you are on, but several that I know of can cause folliculitis. One I just got off of, Trileptal causes it. And I got folliculitis on my scalp. Ouch! Many of the mood stabilizers do have this listed. You just need a pdr and check in the dermatologic section. Granted, stress or anxiety could also cause or add to skin problems. But I wouldn't rule out your meds. I think I used to get acne from Zoloft, an SSRI. That was always so strange, since I have such dry skin.
I think some people just have more delicate integumentary systems (skin!). Though I know alot of people who take the same meds I do, don't complain of skin problems. I consider them lucky!!!Chloe
> This isn`t strictly a medication question.
>
> I have had a skin condition called folliculitis all my life. However, it`s always been fairly mild. Over the past months (about 8/9), the condition has flared up big-time on my arms.
>
> I`ve done quite a lot of checking around about medication side-effects, and can`t find this condition as listed as a side-effect of any medication. Also, it did not develop as the result of any medication alteration/change.
>
> My theory, therefore, is that it is to do with stress/anxiety/low mood in general. This is also based on a previous experience I had when I was first very ill, when I developed acne, having never had it before (or since).
>
> Has anyone any similar skin problem experiences? I`d really like to hear them, as this is doing my head in.
>
> Dr Bob, if you`re reading this - I hope that you don`t think this an inappropriate posting for the board.
>
> ANY info would be good.
>
> Anna.
Posted by chloe on August 14, 2001, at 20:29:22
In reply to Re: Skin Conditions - medications/anxiety/stress etc. » sweetmarie, posted by chloe on August 14, 2001, at 19:42:51
BTW,
Does anyone have any tips or hint of how to cope with the tight, dry, itchy skin and scalp induced by AC's? Is there any thing to do other than change meds? Is there something I could add???Many thanks
A dried out Chloe
Posted by Mitch on August 14, 2001, at 23:59:45
In reply to Re: dry skin/thinning hair antidotes?, posted by chloe on August 14, 2001, at 20:29:22
> BTW,
> Does anyone have any tips or hint of how to cope with the tight, dry, itchy skin and scalp induced by AC's? Is there any thing to do other than change meds? Is there something I could add???
>
> Many thanks
> A dried out ChloeChloe,
This is a really farout stretch, but have you had your thyroid function checked out lately? I had a thyroid tumor a couple of years ago, and I was asked a lot of questions by my endocrinologist. One of those questions (which related to hypothyroidism) was "is your skin dry, thin, and flaky"?
You possibly could be hypothyroid. Perhaps, unlikely, but maybe you need to see your GP, or a dermatologist, or get a thyroid profile done just in case. The only AC that I have tried that caused my skin to be itchy was Topamax and Trileptal. The others have been ok.Mitch
Posted by kazoo on August 15, 2001, at 2:27:57
In reply to Re: Skin Conditions - medications/anxiety/stress etc. » sweetmarie, posted by chloe on August 14, 2001, at 19:42:51
Today's Beauty Secrets, by Kazoo of Hollywood:
Skin, hair and scalp conditions are best treated via nutrition, meaning a balanced diet with LOTTSA, LOTTSA, LOTTSA extra virgin olive oil, internally and even externally. Also, you should pump up certain vitamins and minerals for healthy skin, hair and scalp (I'll find out which ones specifically and post). Cut out all salt and sugar (or at least cut down) and avoid processed food. Eat organic raw vegetables and fruits. Grow your own stuff, like I do, with no chemical fertilizer or pesticides. Use cow dung and Oil of Citronella. Learn how to jar tomatoes and pickles and stock up for the winter. Get into herbs. Limit coffee to 2 cups per day (if you can eliminate it altogether, that's even better). Don't use salt or sugar substitutes ... carcinogenic. And if you do decided to have a cup of tea, by all means DO NOT EAT AN ONION with it as this combination will cause kidney stones and you *certainly* don't want those unless, of course, you enjoy non-stop screaming for hours on end. One of the worst experiences of my life.
Naturally, avoid all products containing alcohol since this drys the skin terribly ... certain hair preparations contain alcohol, too ... avoid. Also, alcohol has this nasty tendency to rot your liver and wreck your life (not to mention the lives of all those around you), so shit-can this poison ASAP. However, a small glass of fresh, organically made red wine is okay every once in a while. Yes, I make wine, too. Avoid beer: too addictive and gassy.
Are you familiar with the KISS-MY-FACE line of cosmetics? Some contain a blend of olive, peanut, soy and avocado oil. I recommend going this route if putting straight olive oil on your skin makes you uncomfortable. Go here for these fine products: http://www.kissmyface.com/
Other fine botanical products: http://www.weleda.com/ ...and... http://www.jurlique.com/I use all those products, but personally, I prefer 100% cocoa butter right from any old drug store, nothing quite like it! And it's cheap, too!
A dermatologist will probably give you a cortisone cream preparation (CLOBETAS USP), and this will work, too, but, remember, you're using chemicals instead of botanicals. Trust the botanicals.
That's all for now, my darlings ...
Until next time, my sweets ...
I remain beautifully yours,kazoo
Posted by chloe on August 15, 2001, at 22:04:30
In reply to Re: dry skin/thinning hair antidotes? » chloe, posted by Mitch on August 14, 2001, at 23:59:45
thanks
Posted by KB on August 15, 2001, at 23:13:02
In reply to Re: Skin Conditions? Be Gone ... » chloe, posted by kazoo on August 15, 2001, at 2:27:57
Be a little cautious about blaming your skin troubles on psych meds - I recently had a weird rash which my dr. was quick to blame on Celexa
and today I just got diagnosed with Lupus . . .BTW, does anyone happen to know anything about the relationship between Lupus and Depression?
Posted by susan C on August 17, 2001, at 10:40:43
In reply to Skin problems, Lupus, and Depression, posted by KB on August 15, 2001, at 23:13:02
Hi KB,
I have been hunting in this area too, autoimmune disorder and mood disorders. A friend was recently dx and confirmed with blood tests, for a type of lupus, neuropsychiatric systemic. Symptoms were rynouds syndrome, depression, bipolar, psychotic and hallucinations. It is genetic in origin.
-s
Be a little cautious about blaming your skin troubles on psych meds - I recently had a weird rash which my dr. was quick to blame on Celexa
> and today I just got diagnosed with Lupus . . .
>
> BTW, does anyone happen to know anything about the relationship between Lupus and Depression?
Posted by Andy123 on August 17, 2001, at 13:07:24
In reply to Re: Skin problems, Lupus, and Depression, posted by susan C on August 17, 2001, at 10:40:43
> Hi KB,
>
> I have been hunting in this area too, autoimmune disorder and mood disorders. A friend was recently dx and confirmed with blood tests,
It is genetic in origin.
> -sLupus isn't at all genetic. I'll explain why if you want, but it'll be a couple of pages
> Be a little cautious about blaming your skin troubles on psych meds - I recently had a weird rash which my dr. was quick to blame on Celexa
> > and today I just got diagnosed with Lupus . . .
> >
> > BTW, does anyone happen to know anything about the relationship between Lupus and Depression?
Posted by susan C on August 17, 2001, at 17:02:50
In reply to Re: Skin problems, Lupus, and Depression » susan C, posted by Andy123 on August 17, 2001, at 13:07:24
Hi Andy 123, I misspoke, they id part of cause was genetic in my friend. I am interested in what you have to say, if you want to share, or refer me to sites you have found particularly insightful. Humbly, Susan C
> Hi KB,
> >
> > I have been hunting in this area too, autoimmune disorder and mood disorders. A friend was recently dx and confirmed with blood tests,
> It is genetic in origin.
> > -s
>
> Lupus isn't at all genetic. I'll explain why if you want, but it'll be a couple of pages
>
>
> > Be a little cautious about blaming your skin troubles on psych meds - I recently had a weird rash which my dr. was quick to blame on Celexa
> > > and today I just got diagnosed with Lupus . . .
> > >
> > > BTW, does anyone happen to know anything about the relationship between Lupus and Depression?
Posted by KB on August 18, 2001, at 9:15:41
In reply to Re: Skin problems, Lupus, and Depression, posted by susan C on August 17, 2001, at 10:40:43
The only psych symptom I have is depression - thankfully! Physically, I have chronic urticaria
(a VERY itchy rash on palms and soles of feet),
vasculitis (a non-itchy rash al over me, including the face), arthritis, and EXTREME fatigue. Plus high ANA and rheumatoid factor tests. My doctor is currently looking for a new rheumatologist to send me to since neither of us were pleased with the first one - once I get there, I will ask for info. about depression and post it.
Posted by triedit on August 19, 2001, at 21:29:01
In reply to Re: Skin problems, Lupus, and Depression, posted by KB on August 18, 2001, at 9:15:41
I am about to start testing for Lupus. My daughter was born with third degree heart block. I don't have any skin symptoms, but I do have achy joints--not always the same ones, lots of fatigue and a positive ANA titer. I am on vioxx for pain and am starting day three of effexor. Could my depression and anxiety really be lupus related?
Posted by KB on August 19, 2001, at 23:26:52
In reply to Re: Skin problems, Lupus, and Depression, posted by triedit on August 19, 2001, at 21:29:01
Yes, the hallmark signs of lupus are:
1) Skin problems (esp photosensitivity and sensitivity to insect bites)
2) arthritis
3) Fatigue
4) positive ANA (and possibly rheumatoid factor)
5) kidney problems
AND
6) DEPRESSION (also sometimes psychosis, seizures, hallucinations) all known as neuropsychiatric lupus.
Lupus occurs most often in young-ish women and flares can be triggered by sun exposure, stress, other illnesses and pregnancy.
This is the end of the thread.
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